In a statement, the company said the contract will position it at the forefront of innovation in biometric security.

"Innovation has been a driving force within Crossmatch from the onset and IARPA's Thor program will allow us to innovate and develop new technologies and solutions that surpass existing PAD systems," said Crossmatch SVP-CTO Bill McClurg. "These solutions will drive new commercial opportunities and market demand, and Crossmatch is excited to have this opportunity to participate in the IARPA Thor program."

In November 2015, the State Department said it was seeking industry input on a biometric identity assurance system called THOR.